A property owner who wishes to irrigate their potato field using river water must apply to which department for a permit?

The correct answer is the Department of Water Resources, as this department typically oversees the management and allocation of water resources in a given state. When a property owner intends to use surface water, such as river water, for irrigation purposes, they must secure a permit from the designated authority that regulates water usage. This ensures water rights are adhered to and that the water usage does not negatively impact the ecosystem or other water users.

The other departments mentioned focus on different areas: the Department of Environmental Protection generally deals with environmental regulations and safeguarding natural resources, the Department of Agriculture typically focuses on agricultural practices and support for farmers, while the Department of Natural Resources manages state parks, wildlife, and conservation efforts. None of these entities primarily handle water rights and usage permits for irrigation, which is specifically the purview of the Department of Water Resources.